Turkey wings are an underrated and versatile cut of meat from the turkey. While they are not as popular as turkey breast or drumsticks, turkey wings have a lot to offer. They are full of flavor, inexpensive, and can be used in various dishes. Here is an overview of what turkey wings are good for.
They are flavorful
Turkey wings have a rich, meaty flavor. They contain a good amount of fat and connective tissue. This gives them a more robust turkey flavor compared to leaner cuts like turkey breast. The skin on turkey wings also crisps up nicely when cooked, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Many parts of the turkey are prone to drying out during cooking. But the fat and collagen in turkey wings helps keep them juicy and moist. The result is a cut of meat with concentrated turkey flavor in every bite.
They are budget-friendly
One of the best things about turkey wings is that they are inexpensive. Price wise, they are one of the most affordable turkey cuts you can buy. The low price makes them ideal for everyday cooking and stretching your grocery budget.
A pack of turkey wings can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per pound. Compare that to the average price of turkey breast at $4 to $6 per pound. Turkey wings give you more meat for less money.
For families looking to save money at the grocery store, turkey wings are a smart choice. You can make several meals out of a pack of wings without spending too much.
They are versatile
From soups to barbecue, turkey wings can be used in all sorts of recipes. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook turkey wings:
- Braise or simmer them in liquid to make turkey wing soup or stew.
- Roast them in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
- Grill or smoke them low and slow for succulent barbecue wings.
- Fry them until crispy and toss in your favorite hot sauce for buffalo wings.
- Sauté them with vegetables for a hearty skillet dinner.
- Braise them in tomato sauce and serve over pasta or polenta.
Turkey wings work well in a variety of global cuisines too. Try them in Chinese chicken wing recipes, Japanese simmered dishes, or Mexican mole sauce.
They contain collagen
Turkey wings are loaded with collagen. Collagen is a type of protein found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of animals. It transforms into gelatin when cooked slowly in liquid.
Collagen has become popular in recent years for its potential health benefits. Some research shows collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity, joint health, and bone strength. Cooking with collagen-rich ingredients like turkey wings can be an easy way to add more collagen into your diet.
When turkey wings are simmered into soups or stews, the collagen adds body, texture, and nutrients. You get the same satisfying, thick texture that using bones or gelatin powder provides.
They work for a crowd
Turkey wings are perfect for feeding a crowd. One package of wings contains multiple full wings. This gives you plenty of meat to create family-style dishes everyone can enjoy.
For parties like game day or potlucks, baked or fried turkey wings can feed lots of hungry guests. Slow cooked wings also make excellent leftovers to stock your fridge.
Compared to smaller cuts like turkey tenderloins, wings give you more for your money when cooking for groups. A few pounds of wings can provide protein for many portions.
They are low maintenance
One of the bonuses of working with turkey wings is that they require minimal prep. Unlike bone-in turkey thighs or drumsticks, there is no tricky bone removal required.
Turkey wings can be used as is straight from the package. Simply season or marinate them as desired. The only prep needed may be removing excess skin or trimming off the wing tips.
The minimal prep makes turkey wings perfect for weeknight cooking. You can start dinner without much hassle or time spent prepping.
They can be grilled or smoked
The small size and bone-in structure of turkey wings makes them ideal for the grill or smoker. The bones help the wings hold their shape while infusing extra flavor.
Grilled turkey wings develop a delicious charred exterior while staying nice and moist. The high heat helps render out some of the fat and crisp up the skin.
Smoked turkey wings take a little longer but yield incredibly tender and juicy meat. A dry rub or marinade adds flavor profiles like barbecue, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice.
Grilled or smoked turkey wings make tasty appetizers, sandwiches, salads, or main dishes. They pair well with classic barbecue sauces and sides.
They satisfy comfort food cravings
Sometimes nothing but the rich, nostalgic flavors of comfort food will do. Turkey wings are the perfect for creating soothing homestyle meals.
Simmer turkey wings low and slow in broth with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Season the broth with garlic, thyme, parsley and pepper for a warming soup.
For a homey turkey stew, brown the wings first before braising in broth with potatoes. Finish the stew with cream or a roux for luxurious flavor and thickness.
Deep fry turkey wings until crispy and toss in hot sauce for spicy, finger-licking buffalo wings.
Conclusion
Turkey wings are worth getting out of the shadow of more popular turkey cuts. They have a concentrated turkey flavor, cost less than other cuts, and work well in an array of recipes from soups to barbecue. Their high collagen content, versatility, and ease of cooking make them a unique and useful ingredient for everyday meals. So don’t overlook turkey wings the next time you want to make a hearty, budget-friendly dinner using flavorful turkey meat.